Human Rights Day: RULAAC Urges Nigerian Government to End Widespread Citizens’ Rights Violations

The Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC) has called on the Nigerian government to treat human rights as essential daily needs rather than abstract promises. In a statement marking Human Rights Day 2025, Executive Director Okechukwu Nwanguma highlighted the year’s theme, “Human Rights, Our Everyday Essentials,” stressing the importance of access to clean water, healthcare, education, justice, housing, and freedom of expression. RULAAC lamented widespread rights violations caused by corruption, insecurity, poor governance, police brutality, and collapsing social services. The group urged the Tinubu administration to move beyond rhetoric by improving basic services, guaranteeing civic freedoms, reforming law enforcement, protecting vulnerable groups, and addressing insecurity through rights-respecting approaches. It reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring abuses and advocating for a Nigeria where human dignity is upheld daily.

Benin Failed Coup Is a Warning to Tinubu to Address Nigeria’s Hardship — Yoruba Union

The Yoruba Union Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá has warned President Bola Tinubu that the failed coup in the Republic of Benin should serve as a serious wake-up call for Nigeria’s leadership. The group says widespread corruption, insecurity, poverty, collapsing healthcare, and decaying infrastructure have left Nigerians disillusioned with democracy. They caution that continued neglect and suppression of citizens’ rights could push the public toward supporting undemocratic alternatives. The Union urged the government to urgently restore accountability, improve living conditions, and address rising social inequalities to prevent instability in Nigeria.

BREAKING: Lagos State is set to create a new regulatory agency to monitor private healthcare facilities, officials announced, in a move aimed at improving patient safety and addressing gaps in the state’s existing oversight system.

Nigeria Targets Stronger Domestic Funding to Achieve Universal Health Coverage

The Nigerian government has announced plans to bolster domestic resource mobilization for healthcare as international grants and donor aid continue to decline, emphasizing the need for greater local ownership to attain Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

Speaking at the 9th Annual Health Conference of the Association of Nigerian Health Journalists (ANHeJ), Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, said sustainable financing must come primarily from within the country to ensure accountability and long-term progress.
Key measures highlighted include:

Strengthening the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF);

Expanding financial protection mechanisms under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act;

Introducing innovative revenue streams, such as the Sugar-Sweetened Beverages (SSB) Tax.

Stakeholders at the conference stressed that state governments must take greater responsibility for health financing.

They renewed calls for states to meet the Abuja Declaration commitment of allocating at least 15% of their annual budgets to the health sector.
With external funding becoming increasingly unpredictable, experts warn that without urgent and substantial increases in domestic investment, Nigeria risks falling further behind on its UHC goals.

Peter Obi Slams Tinubu Govt for Distributing Luxury Vehicles Ahead of 2027 Campaign

Labour Party’s Peter Obi has condemned the alleged use of public funds to purchase and distribute luxury vehicles—including Hilux trucks, Land Cruisers, and Hummer buses—for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 campaign mobilisation. In a statement on X, Obi described the move as “profoundly insensitive” amid rising poverty, hunger, unemployment, and insecurity across Nigeria. He criticised leaders for prioritising political pageantry over urgent national needs such as healthcare, education and food security. Obi said the actions betray public trust and urged a shift toward empathy, accountability, and responsible governance, insisting that a “New Nigeria” remains possible.

Peter Mbah Presents Record N1.62 Trillion ‘Budget of Renewed Momentum’ to Accelerate Enugu’s Transformation




Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has unveiled a landmark N1.62 trillion budget for 2026, marking a 66.5% increase from the revised 2025 budget. Tagged the “Budget of Renewed Momentum,” it allocates 80% (N1.29 trillion) to capital projects and 20% (N321 billion) to recurrent spending.
The economic sector receives the largest share—N825.9 billion (51%)—to fund major infrastructure projects, including 1,200 urban roads, rural road networks, completion of key dual carriageways, expansion of Enugu Air’s fleet to 20 aircraft, and new transport terminals.
The social sector gets N644.7 billion, with education taking 32.27%, supporting Smart Secondary Schools, TVET colleges, and expansion of the state’s Smart Green Schools initiative.
The budget will be funded through N870 billion IGR, N387 billion federal allocation, and N329 billion capital receipts.
Mbah praised President Tinubu’s economic reforms for boosting Enugu’s revenue, noting that IGR is expected to exceed N400 billion, the highest in the state’s history, while FAAC allocation surpassed projections by over 50%.
He also earmarked funds for gratuity payments, security surveillance expansion, healthcare, and ongoing city development projects.





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Tinubu Donates N200m to Nigerian Legion, Calls for Stronger Support for Military Personnel and Families of Fallen Heroes




President Bola Tinubu has pledged N200 million to the Nigerian Legion during the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day Emblem Appeal Launch at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Emphasizing his administration’s commitment to the welfare of serving soldiers, injured personnel, and families of fallen heroes, Tinubu urged government institutions, private organizations, and citizens to support the Legion’s humanitarian mission.

Other notable donations included N100 million from the National Assembly and N20 million from FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their courage and significant gains in combating insecurity, including the surrender of insurgents, the neutralization of terrorist leaders, and improved maritime security.

The President reaffirmed ongoing reforms to enhance troop welfare, including upgraded barracks, improved healthcare systems, and modernized pension verification. The Chief of Defence Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, called on Nigerians to back the emblem appeal, stressing national gratitude for the sacrifices of soldiers. Armed Forces Remembrance Day is celebrated annually on January 15 to honor fallen and living heroes.



#Tinubunews

#NigerianLegiondonation

#ArmedForcesRemembranceDay2026

Anambra Healthcare Crisis Worsens as 55 PHCs Operate With Fewer Than Five Qualified Health Workers



A severe healthcare crisis is unfolding in Anambra State, where 55 out of 66 assessed Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) operate with fewer than five government-employed health workers. Data from Orodata Science’s CheckMyPHCs platform reveals widespread understaffing across 16 local government areas, with some facilities run by only one worker—often a community extension worker or volunteer with limited training.
The situation falls far below the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and WHO minimum staffing standards, which require at least 12 staff for primary health clinics and 24 for fully equipped PHCs. Years of underfunding, stalled recruitment, and poor incentives have left rural communities without adequate maternal care, emergency response, or 24-hour medical support.
Residents describe many PHCs as “buildings without workers,” with emergencies often unattended at night. Health experts warn that the shortage threatens progress in maternal and child health, immunization, and disease surveillance. Despite the state government’s recent effort to recruit 10 health workers per ward, analysts say it is far from sufficient to reverse the deepening crisis.

Over 70% of Patients Are Satisfied With Nigerian Healthcare.

~ Health Minister, Muhammad Pate says

"Over 70% of Patients Are Satisfied With Nigerian Healthcare" — Health Minister, Muhammad Pate.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, says patient satisfaction with Nigerian healthcare services currently stands at 74%. 

Speaking at the 2025 Joint Annual Review themed “All hands, one mission: Bringing the Nigerian health sector to light,” he added that confidence in the direction of the health system has risen to 55%.

He said citizen perception surveys conducted in 2023, 2024, and 2025 show improvements. “Thousands of Nigerians shared their experiences. Nearly half now believe the government considers their views in decision-making. Confidence in the government’s capacity to manage health emergencies is now at 67%,” he said.

Pate noted that affordability remains a major challenge. “Access to services is improving, but affordability must improve further. Plans such as the Medical Relief Programme and expanded social health protection are underway.” 
[11He added that health insurance coverage has grown from 6–7% to 12%, driven by mandatory insurance and the Vulnerable Groups Fund.

He said the ministry will consolidate gains, strengthen primary healthcare, sustain financing, and expand insurance for the poor and vulnerable. More than 20,000 frontline health workers have been recruited into federal tertiary hospitals within the last year, and over ₦50bn has been approved to address arrears and allowances.

Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, said the ministry is implementing reforms to tackle workforce shortages, infrastructure gaps, financing challenges, and declining public confidence. 

He stated that the National Health System Reform and Investment Initiative has the potential to save ₦4.8tn annually from preventable diseases and retain about ₦850bn spent yearly on medical tourism.

Salako noted that over 500 high-impact projects, 13 federal tertiary institutions, and six cancer centres are underway, alongside efforts to expand insurance coverage and improve health financing mechanisms.

Tinubu Orders Immediate End to Doctors’ Strike, Moves to Restore Health Services Nationwide

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to take urgent steps to ensure that resident doctors return to work immediately, following the indefinite strike declared by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).

The directive was disclosed by the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Iziaq Salako, during a press briefing in Abuja. He expressed the government’s regret over the hardship caused to Nigerians due to the strike and assured that the president had ordered a swift and legitimate resolution of the crisis.

According to Salako, the government is actively addressing the 19 demands presented by NARD, including wage concerns, recruitment gaps, and improved working conditions. He revealed that over 14,000 health workers were recruited in 2024, with plans to employ over 23,000 more across 78 tertiary health institutions in 2025.

The minister also confirmed that President Tinubu had approved the increase of the retirement age for clinical workers to 65 years and released over ₦21 billion to settle outstanding arrears and allowances owed to health professionals.

Dr. Salako urged striking doctors to return to their duty posts, emphasizing that President Tinubu remains committed to revamping Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring a sustainable, fair resolution for all health professionals.

BREAKING NEWS:
The European Union, France, and Nigeria have signed a €10.2 million partnership deal to enhance local medicine production in Nigeria.

In a statement released by the EU today, the agreement is designed to boost Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capabilities and strengthen local health systems to improve access to quality healthcare across the country.

Ekiti Government constructs ₦1.8 billion lodge for Governor Oyebanji and his deputy in Abuja amid funding concerns.

The Ekiti State Government has reportedly spent ₦470 million on the construction of a new ₦1.8 billion lodge in Abuja for Governor Biodun Oyebanji and his deputy, Monisade Afuye, sparking public concern over the state’s spending priorities.

According to official budget records, the funds were allocated for the “construction of new governor and deputy governor lodge, Asokoro, Abuja.” A review by SaharaReporters showed that ₦470 million was expended between January and September 2025.

The report also revealed that a separate ₦320 million contract was awarded on October 8, 2025, for the construction of a guest house chalet within the Government House, with the contract issued to a permanent secretary in the Government House and Protocol Department.

This comes at a time when many agencies in the state have struggled to access funds for essential capital projects. An audit of Ekiti’s 2024 financial report indicated that 35 government agencies received no capital funding despite having a combined budget of ₦3.3 billion.

Among the affected institutions were the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Deputy Governor’s Office, Ekiti State Mortgage Board, Civil Service Commission, and several liaison offices and agencies responsible for public development, housing, and healthcare.

Further investigations revealed that numerous multi-million naira contracts — including those for the Ekiti Airport Project, transformer installations, and other infrastructure works — were awarded to “permanent secretaries” rather than independent contractors, raising questions about transparency and due process.

Critics have accused the state government of misplacing priorities by funding luxury projects for political officeholders while neglecting crucial sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The development has reignited calls for accountability and stricter monitoring of public expenditure in Ekiti State.

Doctors begin nationwide indefinite strike after failed talks with Government.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has commenced an indefinite strike following the Federal Government’s failure to meet their demands after a 30-day ultimatum expired.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the association’s president, Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, said the strike became unavoidable after several unfulfilled promises and unsuccessful meetings with government representatives. According to him, the decision was made reluctantly but was necessary to draw attention to the deteriorating state of Nigeria’s healthcare system.

“This action is not driven by desire but by necessity. The government’s continued neglect of our welfare and the poor condition of hospitals nationwide has left us with no choice,” Suleiman stated.

He emphasized that the strike was not for personal benefit but aimed at protecting both doctors and patients by demanding a better working environment.

NARD listed major grievances including unpaid salaries and allowances, poor working conditions, shortage of staff, overwhelming workload, and lack of medical equipment, all of which have crippled effective healthcare delivery across the country.

Suleiman warned that the ongoing mass exodus of medical professionals would persist unless the government acted swiftly to address these concerns.

“The strength of any nation’s health system depends on the well-being of its doctors. When they are neglected and demoralized, patients ultimately bear the brunt,” he added.

He appealed to Nigerians, civil society organizations, and labour unions to support their struggle for a functional and humane health system rather than view it as a confrontation with the government.

NARD confirmed that the strike officially began on Saturday, November 1, 2025, and hospitals nationwide are already experiencing widespread disruption in services.

FG, EU, ECOWAS Sign Health Agreements to Boost Local Manufacturing, Reproductive Health in West Africa.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the European Union (EU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has signed three major agreements aimed at advancing local pharmaceutical production, attracting investments in the health sector, and improving reproductive health outcomes across West Africa.

The agreements, Enabling Local Manufacturing of Health, Immunisation and Nutrition Commodities in Nigeria (ELM-N), Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards (Qualimeds Nigeria), and Strengthening Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in West Africa, were formaliSed on Thursday during the Nigeria-EU Health Investment Forum in Abuja.

The initiatives are part of the EU’s Global Gateway Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies (MAV+) Programme, a global effort designed to enhance regional health resilience and reduce dependency on imported medical products.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Vice-President Kashim Shettima said the agreements reaffirm the government’s commitment to building a “sustainable, inclusive, and innovation-driven health economy.”

Represented by Uju Rochas, his Senior Special Assistant on Public Health, Shettima said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Executive Order promoting local production of pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

“Through the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC) and complementary frameworks such as the sector-wide approach (SWAp), this administration has taken concrete steps to strengthen health governance, stimulate investment, and promote local manufacturing,” he said.

“Our message is clear: Nigeria is open for health investment, innovation, and impact. The President has declared that Nigeria’s health transformation will not be driven by aid and dependency alone, but by ownership, accountability, and innovation made in Nigeria, for Nigerians, and by Nigerians.”

Shettima also commended the EU, PVAC, and the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD) for their collaboration, describing the partnership as “a new chapter defined by shared prosperity, local innovation, and global collaboration.”

Borno Spent ₦2.6bn on “Repentant” Boko Haram Members as Soldiers Warn of Leaks.

A review of Borno State’s 2025 third-quarter budget performance shows ₦2.6 billion was spent on “livelihood support for repentant Boko Haram members” between January and September, with ₦758.1 million disbursed in July–September alone.

The document also reveals limited health capital spending: the Primary Healthcare Development Board received ₦2.076 billion of an ₦8.7 billion budget for the period, while the Hospitals Management Board spent just ₦1.2 billion against a ₦10.5 billion appropriation.

Meanwhile, frontline soldiers in Yobe and Borno told SaharaReporters that some government-backed “repentant” insurgents have been leaking sensitive military information — including troop routines, weapon locations and base alarm points — to their former commanders. 

One soldier said repentant fighters routinely inform terrorists about camp schedules (noting evenings between 4:00pm and 7:00pm) and the location of armouries containing rifles, GMPGs, RPGs, PKTs, grenades and explosives, making troops “extremely vulnerable.”

The reports note that, despite billions spent on reintegration, attacks by the same sects persist. 

In April, Governor Babagana Zulum warned of Boko Haram regrouping around Lake Chad and the Mandara Hills and said the state has received more than 300,000 repentants in three years. 

He urged greater military manpower, more air support, sophisticated drones and anti-drone systems, and a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic strategies to curb the growing threat.

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Poisoned Cough Syrups: World Health Body, NAFDAC Issue Public Alert.

The news of poisoned cough syrups in circulation, with all its clear health dangers is causing stirs in medical and family circles.

It has also made relevant regulatory bodies to forewarn parents and healthcare industry professionals to be on the alert.

Rumours over the Poisoned Cough Syrups in circulation has made the World Health Organisation (WHO) to issue what it calls a Medical Product Alert.

WHO says the concerns centre on three substandard (contaminated) oral liquid medicines containing active ingredients commonly used to relieve symptoms of the common cold, flu, or cough.

Although identified in India and reported to WHO on 8 October 2025, there are fears that without proper recall, and poisoned cough syrups may find their way to other countries, which receive medicine and drugs supplies from India.

The Eagle reports that last May, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) said it was in receipt of information regarding substandard drugs from the India authorities, following result of analyzed drug samples picked from sales/distribution point.

NAFDAC not only listed the affected drugs, but affirmed that some of the affected pharmaceutical companies were reported to have subsidiaries, partners and products in Nigeria.

“Administering substandard medicines poses significant risks to patient health and public health.

“These risks include poisoning, treatment failure, drug resistance, and even death. Substandard medicines may contain toxic substances, incorrect ingredients, or incorrect dosages, leading to severe adverse effects”, NAFDAC warned.

“Be a Hand-Washing Hero!” — Nigeria Marks 2025 Global Hand-Washing Day with Renewed Call for Hygiene Awareness


Health begins with clean hands! Nigeria joins the world in celebrating Global Hand-Washing Day 2025, urging citizens, leaders, and communities to make hand hygiene a daily habit for a healthier nation.


Nigeria joined the rest of the world on October 15, 2025, to commemorate Global Hand-Washing Day in Abuja, with the theme “Be a Hand-Washing Hero.” The event focused on raising awareness about the importance of basic hand hygiene in preventing infectious diseases and promoting national health.

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Professor Joseph Utsev, stressed that although hand washing may appear simple, it remains one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of infections. He urged Nigerians to make it a daily habit and a collective responsibility.

“Every Nigerian must make hand washing a consistent part of their daily routine. Clean hands save lives,” Utsev emphasized.


Global Hand-Washing Day is observed every October 15 to highlight the power of washing hands with soap as an affordable, life-saving practice that prevents illnesses and promotes hygiene in homes, schools, and healthcare centers.

According to a UNICEF report, only 16% of Nigerians have access to basic hand-washing facilities at home — a figure that leaves millions, especially children, vulnerable to infectious diseases.

This year’s commemoration also carried a strong call to action, urging leaders at all levels to invest in hand-washing infrastructure and ensure every school, hospital, and workplace has access to clean water and soap.

Representatives from UNICEF reaffirmed their commitment to expanding hygiene education and supporting government programs that improve access to sanitation facilities across Nigeria.

The Federal Government has also continued its push through national initiatives such as the PEWASH Programme, the Clean Nigeria: Use the Toilet Campaign, and the Sustainable Urban and Rural WASH Project — all aimed at achieving universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene.

As Nigeria commemorates this global health event, the message remains clear: clean hands are the first line of defense against disease — and every Nigerian can be a hand-washing hero.

INEC Yet to Show Readiness for Credible Polls — Atiku Accuses Tinubu of Using State Power to Intimidate Opposition


Former Vice President and 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, has raised concerns over what he described as the declining independence of Nigeria’s electoral system and the misuse of state power ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, speaking through his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, in an interview with Punch Newspaper, accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of using government institutions, including anti-corruption agencies, to intimidate opposition leaders and force mass defections into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The Constitution provides for freedom of association. As a democrat, Atiku Abubakar will not dictate to others whom they associate with. But it is clear that the Tinubu-led APC has been using state power to coerce opposition figures,” he said.


According to Atiku, the wave of defections across political parties does not reflect genuine political conviction but rather self-preservation by politicians seeking protection and personal gain.

“All of these defectors do not have the people’s interest at heart. What they are doing is to protect their own interests,” he added.


The former Vice President emphasized that despite the ongoing political realignments, ordinary Nigerians remain the ultimate deciders of the 2027 election outcome.

“It is Nigerians — the long-suffering, impoverished citizens who can hardly feed, educate their children, or access basic healthcare — who will determine the fate of 2027. The battle line has been drawn between the forces of good and evil,” Atiku declared.


He expressed disappointment that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has yet to demonstrate genuine commitment to reforming the electoral process, warning that without concrete improvements, the 2027 elections could mirror past irregularities.

Atiku, however, expressed optimism that the will of the people would prevail over political manipulation and state-backed coercion.